Ruffed Grouse Society Announces 2013 Wisconsin Drummer Fund Projects

Record 15 Projects Approved For Funding

Coraopolis, PA – The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) has selected 15 projects to receive over $58,000 during 2013 through its Wisconsin Drummer Fund program. The projects are designed to benefit habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife species that rely upon young forests for survival. Partners receiving RGS funding for projects in Wisconsin in 2013 include county forestry departments in Douglas, Florence, Marathon, Oconto, Washburn, Wood, and Vilas Counties, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Other partners providing support for these projects include the American Bird Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

According to John Eichinger, RGS President and CEO, “2013 is a record year for the Wisconsin Drummer Fund with the most funds being distributed to the highest number of projects that RGS has ever supported in Wisconsin. Our ability to fund these important projects is highly dependent on the dedicated efforts of the volunteer members of our local RGS chapters in Wisconsin.”

The Wisconsin Drummer Fund was initiated in 2010 and is the direct result of funds being raised specifically at Wisconsin RGS chapter fund raising events and through direct member donations. Since its inception, nearly $157,000 has been made available through the Wisconsin Drummer Fund to support 40 Wisconsin grouse and woodcock projects. These funds have been matched by other agencies and organizations and have resulted in over $350,000 worth of projects being funded in Wisconsin since 2010.

The Wisconsin DNR is a recipient of funding for 12 projects in 2013 through this program. Chuck McCullough, DNR Area Wildlife Supervisor from Antigo states, “RGS continues to play a major role in funding habitat work for grouse and woodcock across Wisconsin. Their support is critical to the management of young forest habitat across the state."

“Though the Wisconsin Drummer Fund originated in 2010, RGS has been very active supporting habitat work in Wisconsin since 1985. Since that time, RGS has contributed over $850,000 to fund over 100 projects in 44 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties,” reports RGS coordinating biologist Gary Zimmer.

Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society is dedicated to preserving our sporting traditions by creating healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and other wildlife. We work with landowners and government officials to develop critical habitat using scientific forest management.

Mission Statement

Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society is North America's foremost conservation organization dedicated to preserving our sporting traditions by creating healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife. RGS works with landowners and government agencies to develop critical habitat utilizing scientific management practices.